De Lucinière Castle

De Lucinière Castle is a manor near Joué-sur-Erdre that preserves three original towers reflecting its medieval origins. The estate includes a small chapel with tomb monuments, an orangerie featuring carved wooden details, and a dining room, all officially registered as historical monuments.

Originally known as Roche-en-Nort, the estate passed to Pierre Landais in 1485 when he acquired it from the Montfort-Laval family. Between 1681 and 1682, major alterations were made under the supervision of André Le Nôtre, the renowned gardener of Versailles, who added a central block and a decorative pediment.

The name Lucinière comes from lucine, a freshwater fish that once thrived in the surrounding waters. The chapel inside still displays the family tombs with careful craftsmanship, a quiet reminder of the connection between the castle and those who lived there.

The castle is located in a rural area northeast of Nantes and is best reached by car, as public transportation options are limited in the region. Visitors should check ahead whether the grounds are open for tours, as it remains a private property.

During World War II, the then-owner Adolphe Le Gualès de Mézaubran and his wife sheltered and protected several Jewish families from persecution. They were posthumously honored with the Medal of the Righteous among Nations for their courageous actions.